Search - Rosemary Clooney :: White Christmas

Kay R. from NEWBURGH, IN
Reviewed on 12/18/2009...

I enjoyed this CD and listening to Rosemay Cloony singing in the low famous voice of hers. I have watched the movie, "White Christmas" over and over and still love it. It was sad to hear her loss of breath in this later CD, but she hasn't lost it yet.

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 12/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Rosemary is truly one of the greatest interpreters of modern song. She has the ability to capture the spirit of a song and to communicate it like no other. With this record, she uses her ability to tell us, in her own way, about the spirit of Christmas. She will always be a part of the legendary film. But this record is all hers. This is Rosemary Clooney's "White Christmas." ~ Glen Barros, President - Concord Records, 1996 ~



"Here's a multi-layered celebration of the holiday we can't get enough of from a singer who can transport us a few ever could - to a place where a newborn can help us believe again that all things are possible. Where hope is a renewable resource. Where " ... through the years we all can be together..." If that's not worth celebrating, what is?" ~ Nick Clooney ~



I agree with Rosemary Clooney's brother, Nick Clooney, on what he said about hope, about believing and about its possibilities.



This Christmas album was recorded in 1996 when Rosemary Clooney's vocal artistry was not at its prime, but she still renders these Christmas songs so beautifully with such affection and respect to the real essence of each and every song. The arrangements are beautifully and superbly done. There are twenty-one great performances from one of the greatest singers of all-time. She is backed by an orchestra conducted by Peter Matz, and some of the skilled musicians Gary Foster, Dan Higgins, Warren Luening, John Oddo and Chuck Berghofer, to mention a few. She starts off with a glowing rendition of "The Christmas Song," which features saxophonists Gary Foster (alto) and Dan Higgins (tenor).



The Earl Brown Singers sung shortened versions of the best-loved traditional Christmas carols of all-time, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Joy To The World," "Silent Night" "The First Noel" and "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer."



One of my highlights is a wonderful medley of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Hey Kris Kringle." She is joined by another great singer, Michael Feinstein, who's a very close friend of Ms. Clooney. You'll hear that fascinating accordion from soloist Frank Morocco on the intro and all throughout this song, and George Robert's nice trombone playing as well.



She sings with such grace in "Winter Wonderland" with soloists Gary Foster and Warren Luening on sax and trumpet, respectively. There's that special glow in her voice as she sings Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne's "The Christmas Waltz" and "Let It Snow" with that beautiful piano solo by John Oddo. "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "Christmas Memories," a composition by Don Costa and Alan & Marilyn Bergman are all elegantly performed.



Two of the highlights are Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" and "White Christmas" from the movie of the same title, which stars Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, who sings this carol with warmth and love. And as "she dreams of a White Christmas, she wishes everyone's Christmas to be white."



Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year and it really brings out the child in me. I simply love Christmas! And true to the lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman, "Christmas memories are the sweetest ones I know." The songs in this CD will transport you back in time with your fondest memories of Christmas.



"There'll be much mistletoeing

And hearts will be glowing

When loved ones are near

It's the most wonderful time of the year."



I merrily recommend this superb CD and as you listen to it during Christmas Holidays, may the true spirit of Christmas reign in your hearts.

"